Generation gland morphology in cordylid lizards: an evolutionary perspective.

摘要: To elucidate the functional significance of three distinct types generation glands that have been identified among cordylid lizards, we mapped gland type to terminal taxa in most recent phylogenetic tree for Cordylidae. We used programme Mesquite and applied principle parsimony infer character states ancestral nodes tree. For those species where information on was not available from literature, conducted a histological investigation morphology, using standard techniques. included two sister family Gerrhosauridae analysis serve as outgroups. In both Gerrhosaurus typicus G. flavigularis, scales immediately anterior femoral pores displayed glandular activity, but differed cordylids absence mature generations. Among investigated, fourth Pseudocordylus subviridis, P. spinosus, Hemicordylus species, one consistently comprise H. capensis, single- two-layer are present. Our reconstruction suggests minimum six transformations another during evolutionary history family. The furthermore single-layer reappeared at least once (in Hemicordylus) Cordylinae after having lost. also unequivocally shows pit-like multiple-layer evolved directly protruding type. appears be an intermediary condition between types. transformation linked changes lifestyle associated degree territoriality need chemical communication. J. Morphol. 275:456–464, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.